Milwaukee HDTV User Group

After having played the obligatory round of CSR roulette with TWC, it's time to ask the real experts:

1) Can anyone tell me if the HD locals on TWC are in the clear or scrambled? QAM tuner being considered here.

2) What's the current minimum programming required to get a TWC HD box? Only interested in HD locals, not the HD package or DVR.

TIA,

Dave

There's an article in today's Journal Sentinel business section that addersses the whole pink pig/feed the pig campaigns pretty well:

Article

The picture shows an install of Dish's new Superdish. Check out the size of that LNB shroud!

BTW, just received an increase in my monthly Dish service. It was the first increase in my 3 years with Dish, and was less than 3%.

Dave

For those considering the latest Dish HD box (released this week), be prepared to go without CBS digital for a while. Seems that Dish allocated channel 1 to the rear pass-through inputs. When the digital OTA tuner tries to re-map 46 to channel 1 ... well, it just doesn't work.
Dish is aware of this - Weigel's Chicago station has the same conflict, as well as at least 1 other PBS station elsewere.

Credit to Satelliteguys Here

Although Dish is scheduled to roll out MKE locals this month, no retrans agreement with CBS58. So it's analog only via OTA only until Dish sorts this mess out.

I, for one, am sure ticked off at Weigel's "We're #1, so we can get more viewers" mapping trick. An FCC spanking is in order here!

BTW, a few other bugs came with the first wave of these 811's, most of which are supposed to be resolved with an upcoming software upgrade(s). Lots of user info available at satelliteguys.us

Dave

Showtime Networks Launches THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD On December 1, 2003
Second HDTV Channel Represents The Company's Continued Commitment To Expand HDTV Offerings




New York, NY, October 1, 2003-- Showtime Networks will launch its second high definition television (HDTV) channel, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD, on December 1, 2003. The company will transmit an East Coast feed of Showtime Networks' all movie service in the highest picture resolution format available -- 1080i -- with the original widescreen aspect ratio (16:9) to preserve theatrical presentation. The announcement, made today by Mark Greenberg, Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Communications for Showtime Networks, reinforces the company's commitment to providing its premium subscribers with the highest quality home entertainment experience.  

Press Release

Dave

More so than any previous year, we have all witnessed and taken part in many changes in the HDTV world during 2002.
The birth of our HDTV community gathering place has given us a chance to share the experience among ourselves, with the professionals directly involved in delivering HDTV, and anyone interested in enjoying the benefits of High Definition Television.
Certainly an experience we've all enjoyed and benefitted from.

As we begin a New Year together, a special Thank You to Todd and Tom for their generous gifts of time, talent and treasures. Thanks for bringing your vision to reality - and sharing it all with us!

To all the administrators and senior members who spend so much time finding and sharing information with us, thanks so much, guys!


Here's to the continued growth and success of MilwaukeeHDTV in 2003 - and an even greater HDTV experience for all it's members !!


Happy New Year to all

Dave

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I kinda thought that might happen ...

If you've frequented sites like AVS and SPot, you know that this subject has given birth to many threads and opinions. With the approach of spring and antenna questions by other members, I thought it might be a good idea to share some of our thoughts, experiences and links on this subject.
Here's a start:

     Antenna grounding will not eliminate all possibilities of a direct lightning strike. However, it will disperse wind-induced static buildup, making your antenna a less attractive ground source for lightning.

     Lightning is electricity - lots of it ! Who knows more about dealing with this stuff than a good electrician? OK, maybe a mad scientist, but I think they're more into attracting than avoiding. If you are in good with an electrician, ask questions. Then share the answers with us !

     Most, if not all communities have code requirements in place for grounding issues.  Consult your local electricial inspector regarding codes and compliance.

Comments, etc. are encouraged,

Dave




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I kinda thought that might happen ...